Bonesplitter MTG Card


Enhances creatures, providing high value without extra card investment, making it efficient in battle. Can be equipped at instant speed, offering tactical advantages and surprise elements during play. Low casting and equip costs enable swift power boosts to creatures, essential for aggressive strategies.
Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip

Text of card

Equipped creature gets +2/+0. Equip


Cards like Bonesplitter

Bonesplitter stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a cost-efficient equipment card, giving creatures a significant power boost. In comparison, Darksteel Axe is another formidable piece of equipment, conferring a modest +2/+0 bonus to creatures, but with the indestructibility that makes it resistant to destruction effects. Bonesplitter, although more fragile, offers a greater power increase at a lower total equip cost.

Another related equipment card is the Vulshok Morningstar, which grants +2/+2 to a creature. While it offers a balanced boost to both power and toughness, its equip cost is higher than that of Bonesplitter, making Bonesplitter a more aggressive choice in decks that prioritize swift and impactful damage increase.

Examining these comparisons clarifies the strengths of Bonesplitter within the MTG equipment arsenal. Its ability to deliver a rapid and cost-effective power enhancement cements its position as a staple in many aggressive strategies that aim to overwhelm opponents by boosting creature’s combat capabilities swiftly.

Darksteel Axe - MTG Card versions
Vulshok Morningstar - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Axe - MTG Card versions
Vulshok Morningstar - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Bonesplitter by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Bonesplitter. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
TronTron PauperTronPauper Challenge 32 2024-04-27
Mono-Black AggroMono-Black Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Boros AggroBoros Aggro GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro PauperMKM Pauper UOL 2024
Boros SynthesizerBoros Synthesizer PauperBoros SynthesizerMonthly Tournament #35
MonoW MetalcraftMonoW Metalcraft PauperPoznańska Liga Paupera #2
Rogue DecklistsRogue Decklists PauperAzorius AffinityNacional Pauper 2023
Azorius AggroAzorius Aggro GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Mono-Green AggroMono-Green Aggro PauperMono-Green AggroPauper Challenge 32 2023-11-12

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Equipping Bonesplitter to a creature turns it into a more formidable threat, effectively increasing the value of that creature on the battlefield without the need to commit additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: With its low casting and equip costs, Bonesplitter offers a cost-efficient way to boost a creature’s power. This allows players to use their mana resources on other spells while still being able to apply pressure on the opponent.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Bonesplitter can be equipped at instant speed if the player has a creature with flash on the battlefield. This dynamic can catch an unwary opponent off guard during their turn, adding an element of surprise and tactical advantage to the player wielding Bonesplitter.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Bonesplitter card itself doesn’t have a discard requirement, equipping it necessitates playing this card over others, indirectly pressuring you to discard potentially useful cards in trade-off for an immediate power boost.

Specific Mana Cost: Bonesplitter’s low cost is great; however, the initial mana investment for its ability does require commitment of resources that could otherwise go toward spells or creatures, particularly in the early game when mana is scarce.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the total cost, including both casting and equipping the Bonesplitter, it may appear less daunting. Yet, in tight turns where mana efficiency is key, allocating resources to repeatedly equip Bonesplitter could detract from other opportunities to develop your board or respond to threats.


Reasons to Include Bonesplitter in Your Collection

Versatility: Bonesplitter is a staple in many aggressive deck builds. Its low casting and equip cost make it easy to attach to any creature, instantly boosting their damage output. This makes it well-suited for a variety of strategies, particularly those that aim to deal damage quickly.

Combo Potential: This artifact’s ability to increase creature power for a minimal investment can work wonders in synergizing with cards that have abilities triggering on dealing combat damage. It can turn any unassuming creature into a formidable threat, blending seamlessly into intricate combo setups.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed is key, Bonesplitter shines. Its relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of MTG comes from its direct approach to dealing damage, seldom going out of vogue, thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness in giving any creature a considerable advantage on the battlefield.


How to beat

The Bonesplitter card is an artifact that can equip creatures with a potent power boost, often tipping the scales in combat. It’s inexpensive to play and to attach to a creature, making it a favorite in many aggressive MTG decks. To effectively counter a Bonesplitter, it’s wise to have instant-speed removal at the ready, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, which can destroy it before your opponent gets a chance to utilize its benefits. Artifact removal like Krosan Grip also provides an answer with the added benefit of Split Second, ensuring it can’t be responded to.

Board control is crucial. Efficiently managing the threat landscape can mitigate the advantage provided by a Bonesplitter. Sweepers like Wrath of God or cards that can handle multiple creatures at once, such as Pyroclasm, can clear the way, lessening the impact of equipped creatures. Having creatures with Deathtouch can also deter your opponent from attacking, rendering the attack buff less effective.

Remember, leveraging the timing of your spells and strategic use of removal can dismantle an opponent’s strategy revolving around Bonesplitter, keeping you firmly in the game and often ahead of your adversary on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bonesplitter MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Arena League 2003, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Bonesplitter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bonesplitter Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2003-01-01 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Darrell Riche.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 362722003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
22003-01-01Arena League 2003PAL03 82003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
32003-10-02MirrodinMRD 1462003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
42005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL L52003NormalWhiteDarrell Riche
52005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL L402003NormalWhiteDarrell Riche
62010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 B282003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
72011-05-14Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New PhyrexiaTD2 202003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
82013-06-07Modern MastersMMA 2022003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
92019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 15522003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
102020-09-26The ListPLST MRD-1462003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
112020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 4582015NormalBlackDarrell Riche

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bonesplitter has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
TimelessLegal